Interview: The Impact of 5-Star 2022 New Jersey ATH Keon Sabb is Pretty Amazing
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are a lot of versatile athletes in the high school ranks who do a tremendous job for their respective squads helping win games. But there are few, if any, who completely impact a team the way Keon Sabb does for Glassboro High School. The 6-3, 190-pound, talent was on the level of National Player of the Year honors a year ago considering his worth to the Bulldogs, and he was just a freshman.
Sabb’s freshman season was nothing short of amazing rushing 12 times for 35 yards and was second on the team in receptions (23) and yards (284). On defense, he took down 46 ball carriers, had three tackles for a loss, broke up seven passes, and picked off six. Special teams was yet another area where the New Jersey product showed he was on another level taking 19 kicks back for 534 yards with two touchdowns scored and had four called back due to penalties.
The play on the field has earned Sabb five-star recruiting honors and is ranked as the fifth most talented overall in the 2022 class (247Sports). Recognition of his skills and athleticism has not stopped there with eight offers being extended from Baylor, Maryland, Massachusetts, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, and West Virginia.
In an RNG exclusive, I went in-depth with Sabb covering as much of his game and recruiting process as possible… it is hard even keeping up with him off the field.
Interview
Keon, your overall freshman season was remarkable putting together all that you did for the Bulldogs. With that experience, how did you train over the offseason for your sophomore season?
“Last season, it made me want to work harder and not be stagnant. I am showing improvement in every areas especially with my speed, agility, and footwork.”
The Bulldogs coaching staff had all the faith in the world in you playing you in all three phases in 2018. Where all did you line up on the field last season?
“I lined up at quarterback a couple of times, receiver, safety, corner, and at kick and punt returner. I will get more QB reps this year.”
How are your athletic gifts being utilized this season on the field?
“As mentioned, I will be at QB more this year lining up in the Pistol. I was QB my whole life. I can throw and run out of that package. That is a great package for us on offense. As a receiver, I should be going out for passes all the time. I will play corner depending on who we are playing. If we are going against a team with a top receiver, I will cover him. If not, I will play safety. I am also back returning punts and kicks this season.”
Impressive. I want to address your overall speed. Have you run a timed race showing how fast you are yet?
“I ran track. My 100 is an 11-flat-10.9. I can’t remember my 200 time but it was in the low 22.”
Seems you ran 100 miles on kick returns last season but had a few called back even though it did not affect the play. How many kick returns for touchdowns were called back last season because of a penalty?
“I think I had three or four. In our first game of the season, I had one called back but we have no film on that game. I think there were three more called back last year.”
On offense, where are you seeing the growth in your game early in the 2019 season?
“I feel like my route running has gotten a lot better, I am getting in-and-out of my breaks faster, and my awareness has improved. I am sitting down in the hole getting open and if there is a linebacker in my area, I know how to go around him.”
And on defense, where are you seeing the improvements in your skillset?
“Over the summer I worked on breaking on the ball, breaking faster, picking up routes, and I was watching a lot of film. I watched film every day; I know what they are running and when they are running stuff. I know their tendencies.”
What goals have you set for your sophomore season?
“My goals are to go over 1,000 receiving yards, I want over six kick returns for touchdowns, and I want 10 interceptions.”
A couple of recruiting questions before we wrap. Which schools are showing interest?
“There are a couple following me on Twitter, but I am not sure how far that will go. There are some recruiting guys from Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Notre Dame, Miami, and FSU following me.”
How many offers have you received so far?
“I have eight offers.”
Did you get to visit any programs this offseason?
“I went to Rutgers for their BBQ.”
How did that go?
“It was a very good experience. I brought my younger brothers with me so they can get a feel for the college life.”
Are there any other trips on the schedule?
“I am going to a Notre Dame game soon. My dad and I are talking about visiting Ohio State sometime this season.”
What are your favorite subjects in school?
“My favorite subjects are math and English.”
What has you excited about the rest of the season?
“I am looking forward to winning a championship and getting better.”
Keon, it was great getting time with you today. I appreciate it and wish you and the Bulldogs success this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Sabb family; Keon Sabb at Rutgers